Audi Teases ‘AI:TRAIL quattro’ Concept Electric Off-Roader

Audi is no stranger to electric concept vehicles. But it’s never done one quite like this. The Audi AI:TRAIL quattro electric concept off-roader will debut alongside three other Audi electric vehicle concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019.

Audi calls this a “concept study for an electrically driven off-roader — designated for future mobility.” This little teaser image reveals a very aggressive and futuristic vehicle. Although Audi has been known to bring its electric concepts to production, think e-tron SUV; we don’t expect this one to ever see production.

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AI:TRAIL Is Concept-Only, But Wicked Cool!

The first giveaway that this is just a concept is the zero entry and departure angle design. While amazing for tackling off-road obstacles, the design is in no way compliant with current street-legal pedestrian safety and crash standards. This beast would just drive over any person or vehicle that got in its way!

We love the crazy amount of glass in this concept. But you might not want that much glass around you when pushing through rough terrain off road. The suicide-style doors, with rear doors opening backward, are very cool. However, designers rarely put them on production vehicles. The massive wheels and crazy-thin, unique tires look cool but (again) aren’t very functional for off-road driving.

Our favorite part of the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro concept vehicle revealed so far is that there appears to be a steering wheel. This means it’s still meant to be driven by a person and is not fully autonomous. A crazy off-road vehicle, especially with the instant torque of a fully electric drivetrain, would be so much fun to drive off the beaten path!

We’ll have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show, September 12-22, to see and find out more about the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro. Until then, you can drool over some of the truly impressive electrified concepts Audi has unveiled over the past few years here.